Market Segment:
Mid-size luxury sedan
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac STS, Jaguar S-Type
Model Highlight:
Comfort, advanced technology, strong performance with 4MATIC all-wheel drive
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, sophisticated design, advanced comfort features
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Manual
Additional Coverage:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era and model)
Manual Type:
Factory Owner's Manual
Powertrain:
Engine oil, fuel, air filter, battery, refill capacities, lubricant specifications
Chassis:
Brakes (general operation), suspension (general operation), steering (general operation), tire information
Electrical:
Lights, instrument cluster, basic electrical system operation, battery care
Interior:
Climate controls, entertainment systems, seating, safety restraints, driver controls, locks and security
Body:
Doors, windows, exterior accessories (general information)
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures
Operation:
Starting the engine, operating climate control, using infotainment features, adjusting seats, understanding driver controls and indicators
Safety:
Proper use of seat belts, child restraint systems, understanding safety features and warnings
Troubleshooting (Basic):
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting of common operational issues
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic checks, fluid types, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic steps.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Engine Displacement:
4.967 liters (5.0L)
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Layout:
V-configuration
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control System:
Standard (ASR)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, window curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system
Audio System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXpert) with CD player, AM/FM radio, optional navigation system
Display:
Central color display screen for infotainment and vehicle settings
User Interface:
Rotary dial and buttons on the center console for system control
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system
Headlights:
Halogen or Bi-Xenon headlights with automatic leveling, optional active curve illumination
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, subject to driving conditions (flexible service system - 'Service A'/'Service B' indicators).
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to manual for specific mileage/time-based services like spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, coolant flush.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)
Coolant Specification:
MB Approval 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)
Transmission Fluid Specification:
MB Approval 236.14 (e.g., ATF 4134)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Approval 331.0)
Common Problems W211:
SBC (Sensors, Brakes, Controls) system failures (though this model E500 might be less affected than earlier E320 CDI), oil cooler leaks, spark plug failures, ignition coil issues, electronic module failures, air suspension leaks (if equipped).
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 718/1 (or equivalent MB part number A 000 180 26 09)
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C 30 145 (or equivalent MB part number A 272 094 00 04)
Manufacturer History:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety dating back to the late 19th century.
E-Class Lineage:
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz's executive car segment, tracing its roots back to models like the W124 and W210. The W211 generation (2003-2009) represented a significant redesign with more advanced technology and styling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen), also South Africa and China for specific markets.
